Are There Any DIY Techniques to Eliminate Fat Under the Armpit?
Fat under the armpit may not seem like a big deal. However, for many women, it is a distressing problem. Excess armpit fat spoils the appearance of clothing, causing bulging and unwanted lumps. It often causes low self-confidence, too. Women with armpit fat may avoid wearing swimsuits, strappy tops, or tight clothing, but surgery can improve the appearance of armpit fat. Still, many women worry about going under the knife. They would rather try DIY techniques first. So, are there any effective DIY methods to eliminate armpit fat?
Why Do I Have Armpit Fat?
There are several reasons why you may have armpit fat. In general, women are more prone to fat in this area than men. But there are numerous reasons why excess fat may accumulate here. They include the following:
- Obesity
- Underdeveloped muscles
- Low levels of physical activity
- Aging
- Poor posture
- Poorly fitting underwear
- Genetics
If you are generally overweight, it’s natural that you’ll almost certainly have excess fat in your armpit area. If your muscles lack tone, the skin may sag further, exacerbating the problem. As we get older, the quality of our skin worsens, making armpit fat look even worse. The armpit area will still look more prominent if you also have a slumped posture. Poorly fitting underwear and clothing only emphasize the issue. Bras and tops that are too tight cause any excess fat to bulge out.
The leading cause of armpit fat, though, is genetics. Our genes determine the distribution of fat in our bodies. If your genes dictate that you store more fat in your armpit area, you cannot change this. There are no natural methods to fix this problem. Only surgery holds the solution.
Also Read: What Causes Armpit Fat?
Will Weight Loss Eradicate Armpit Fat?
Weight loss will only eradicate armpit fat if you’re already obese or overweight. If you’re obese, losing weight may help reduce armpit fat. Shedding a few pounds will help you look slimmer overall and should help improve the appearance of any bulges in your armpit area. But sometimes, even if you lose weight, you’ll still have excess armpit fat. After all, slim women get armpit fat, too. Genetics dictate where the body distributes fat; some women naturally have extra fatty deposits. As you cannot spot reduce fat, you can reach your target weight but still have armpit bulges.
Are There Any Exercises to Minimize Fat in the Armpits?
Some exercises may help tone the upper arms and armpit muscles. But again, spot-reducing fat in any given location is impossible. Combining cardio activities with strength exercises may help if you have minimal muscle tone. Nevertheless, it can’t be guaranteed to work.
Some exercises to target the shoulders, chest, back, and upper arms include:
- Push-ups
- Lifting dumbbells
- Resistance exercises with bands
Some women find that carrying out these exercises regularly helps improve the armpit bulges’ appearance. The results will often be invisible due to the layer of fat covering the muscles.
Will Massage Help?
Massage encourages better blood circulation and lymphatic flow. That may help with detoxification and weight loss, but only if you’re overweight. If you want to try massages to see if they improve the appearance of your armpits, try these steps:
- Use a warming cream
- Lightly stroke the skin
- Knead the skin, pinch and pat it.
- Avoid stretching or injuring the skin.
- Stroke the skin to finish.
Although massage may prove helpful in some cases, it is unlikely to reduce armpit fat on its own.
Do Wraps Help to Slim the Armpits?
Some people believe that wraps can help slim specific areas of the body. The idea is that the wrap heats the skin, allowing better penetration of active substances. There are several types of wraps that you can use in the armpit area. You can make some of the most popular with coffee, mineral water, mustard, and clay.
You can make a wrap for your armpit area by using water to dilute black clay. You can then add two drops of essential oil of orange and some coffee grounds to the mix. Alternatively, add one teaspoon of mustard powder to blend the orange oil, clay, and water.
Apply the mixture to the armpit area, wrap it in plastic, and leave for 30 minutes. After finishing the procedure, remove the wrap, rinse away the mixture and apply moisturizer. Wraps may make the skin feel softer and may, in some cases, produce short-term effects. But they cannot slim the armpits.
Is Surgery the Only Solution?
The best way to eliminate armpit fat is to have liposuction of the armpit area. This procedure involves making tiny incisions in the underarm area and suctioning the excess fat. A skilled surgeon can produce impressive results, eliminating unwanted bulges effectively.
If you’re in good overall health but have fat under the armpit, contact Dr. Su at ArtLipo for a consultation.

Dr. Hamwi is an aesthetic plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgical and non-invasive procedures. After completing residencies in both plastic surgery and general surgery as well as a fellowship at Harvard University, Dr. Hamwi then went on to pursue an aesthetic surgery fellowship at one of the country’s most competitive programs in Manhattan, New York. Less than one percent of plastic surgeons have completed such specialized training.